In a span of five months, the Angeles City Government, led by Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, has rescued a total of 25 endangered animals.
Mayor Lazatin commended the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, headed by Rosendo Makabali, and the City Veterinary Office, led by Dr. Christian Xyric Arcilla for their quick actions and efforts to rescue and turn over the said endangered animals to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources — Region Office 3.
Mayor Lazatin also noted the efforts of the residents in reporting the 25 endangered animals to the city government for proper handling and care.
Some of the animals rescued and turned over to the DENR-RO3 were three Philippine long-tailed macaques, seven reticulated pythons, a Philippine pangolin, a grass owl, 12 scorpions, and a Philippine scops owl.
Animal welfare is one of the main programs of Mayor Lazatin.
Mayor Lazatin also urges Angeleños to turn over captured or rescued wild animals to CENRO and the City Vet for proper care and handling.
“Importante na mapunta sa tamang lugar ang mga nahuhuling endangered species dito sa siyudad. Nandiyan po ang ating CENRO at City Vet upang tulungan po ang ating mga residente pare marescue ang makita man nilang mga endangered animals,” Lazatin said.
Lazatin also asked his constituents with exotic pets to have their respective animals registered and to secure necessary permits at DENR.
Republic Act No. 9147, otherwise known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, prohibits the possession, transport, and collection of wildlife species and its derivatives without necessary permits from the DENR.
Meanwhile, in her social media post, Senator Cynthia Villar expressed her appreciation on the efforts of the city government in rescuing a Philippine pangolin and turning it over to the DENR National Capital Region—North Field Office (NFO).
According to the DENR, Philippine pangolins are endemic to four islands in the Philippines, most notably in Palawan. They are also among the most illegally trafficked wildlife in the world, with their scales sought after in certain concoctions, despite having no proven medicinal value.
